4.28 AVERAGE

informative inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

I read this 3 years ago and now again for a YA lit class and I would absolutely read it again. What I love about this story is how it showcases the nuances of depression without making it the central focus. Darius is bullied for his Persian heritage while living in America, only to be met with similar judgements for his American roots when visiting family in Iran. Despite the abundance of love within his family, his feelings of not belonging create strain in his relationships. This places his depression at the forefront without letting it dominate the narrative which offers an authentic lens to explore his condition alongside his journey of self discovery. His friend Sohrab was a beautiful example of unconditional love outside of a family by offering support, encouragement and acceptance without judgements, but with genuine curiosity about who Darius truly is.
emotional reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I don’t think I’ve read a book as powerful as this one in such a long time. Words cannot fully express how important this book is to me at the moment, and how much I wish younger me would’ve read it. Adib Khorram has such a unique writing style that brings his story to life—one that wouldn’t have the same effect if written any other way. It’s so simple but so effective.

Mental health is not talked about enough and Khorram leaves no stone unturned. The melancholic vibes peppered throughout the story gives the reader a glimpse at what life can be like with an invisible illness in its truest form. This is one story I will always keep to my heart. Thank you Adib Khorram. For writing this book. For being an advocate for mental health. For sharing your story.

To all my buddies struggling with their mental health—you are not alone; may your place never be empty.
emotional funny hopeful medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
emotional hopeful sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I should have read the trigger warnings 
hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
emotional informative medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
emotional slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated